For eight decades, the United Nations has never had a woman serve as secretary-general, despite its global mission to promote equality and inclusion. With António Guterres set to complete his term at the end of 2026, world leaders are openly calling for a woman to take the helm for the first time. The process to select the next secretary-general will unfold through 2026, with the new leader assuming office in January 2027. Advocates say that naming a woman would not only address a long-standing imbalance but also strengthen the U.N.’s credibility as an institution committed to gender equality and global representation.

Global Calls for Gender Equality

At the 2024 U.N. General Assembly, multiple world leaders urged member states to prioritize gender equity in the upcoming secretary-general selection. Estonia’s president called it “high time for a woman to be chosen,” while Slovenia’s president noted that only five women have ever held a one-year term as president of the General Assembly in its history. Mongolia’s president added that gender balance in leadership could lead to more transparent and inclusive decision-making. The current system allows the Security Council to privately select a candidate to recommend to the General Assembly, though recent reforms have encouraged greater transparency. Many diplomats argue that ensuring women are seriously considered would demonstrate that the U.N. practices the same equality it promotes around the world.

Latin America’s Moment in Focus

Traditionally, the secretary-generalship rotates by region, and Latin America is next in line. The region’s leaders are uniting behind the idea that their time, and a woman’s time, has come. The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) recently issued a joint statement calling for a candidate from the region, noting that only one Latin American, Peru’s Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, has ever held the post. Costa Rica’s delegate urged breaking what she called an “80-year cycle of exclusion.” Supporters argue that Latin American candidates bring diplomatic diversity and deep experience in peacebuilding, human rights and sustainable development — qualities seen as essential amid current global conflicts and crises.

Michelle Bachelet’s Bid for Secretary-General

Chile has formally nominated former president Michelle Bachelet for the U.N.’s top post. Bachelet, Chile’s first female head of state, has twice served as president and held major U.N. roles, including executive director of U.N. Women and U.N. high commissioner for human rights. President Gabriel Boric praised her as a leader capable of bridging divides between regions across the world. Her experience in governance, diplomacy and humanitarian work makes her a prominent contender. Observers note that Bachelet’s candidacy positions Chile early in the race and signals a broader regional effort to secure support among member states before the 2026 election process begins in earnest.

Rebeca Grynspan and Alicia Bárcena Emerge as Key Names

Costa Rica has nominated Rebeca Grynspan, a veteran U.N. official and former Costa Rican vice president, as its candidate. Now head of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, Grynspan has decades of experience in international cooperation and economic development. Analysts describe her as a moderate with a deep understanding of U.N. institutions, though they note she must navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. Mexico’s environment minister, Alicia Bárcena, is also seen as a potential contender. A biologist and diplomat with a long U.N. career, she has publicly stated that “it’s time for women” to lead and suggested structural reforms, including eliminating the Security Council veto. Both women represent a new generation of Latin American leadership seeking to modernize the organization.

Other Potential Contenders and the Road Ahead

Other prominent figures reportedly under consideration include Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, known for her advocacy on climate justice, and Ecuadorian diplomat María Fernanda Espinosa, who previously served as president of the U.N. General Assembly. Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has also announced his intention to seek the post. The selection process will begin formally next year, with the 15-member Security Council reviewing nominations before recommending one candidate to the General Assembly. Experts predict intense diplomatic negotiations as countries weigh regional representation, gender balance, and geopolitical alliances. For many within and beyond the U.N., 2027 could mark a historic milestone: the election of the organization’s first woman leader.

Sources: UPI, Mexico News Daily, Reuters (1), Reuters (2)